Forward progress stopped on Ray and Shake Fires near Kearny

Resources working the Ray and Shake Fires near Kearny have stopped both fires’ forward progress and continue efforts toward full suppression and containment. On Tuesday evening, the Ray Fire was estimated at 51 acres with 10% containment. The Shake Fire was estimated at 110 acres  Tuesday with no containment to report. Both fires are located along State Route 177 approximately 1.5 miles northwest of Kearny.

The Ray Fire started Tuesday morning and approximately three hours later the Shake Fire was reported less than a mile south of the Ray Fire. A third fire was also discovered soon after. Those two fires have since merged however, the Ray and Shake Fires have not merged together. All three fires started within drainages near the railroad tracks along the south side of State Route 177.

The Shake Fire was pushing to the southeast toward the town of Kearny, fueled by hot temperatures, winds, and dry vegetation. On Tuesday, and due to the proximity of the Shake Fire to homes, fire operations requested the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office evacuate areas impacted by the fire. An evacuation center is open at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: 200 Hammond Drive, Kearny, AZ.

Engines are currently engaged with structure protection with water capabilities to help prevent structure damage in the event of flareups or sudden movement of the fire. At this time there has been no reports of destroyed or damaged properties. Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) and a Large Air Tanker (LAT) were utilized throughout the day on both fires to help slow their forward progress. On the Shake Fire, along the southeast flank, the fire slopped over retardant line and additional heavy air tankers were requested to help along that flank. Crews remain engaged on that side working to contain the fire’s spread. On Tuesday, hand crews conducted firing operations along the southwest side of the fire working to tie it in to nearby roads. Along the west side, the fire checked up into the rail line and is holding in place. A night divisioncontinued with structure protection efforts along with monitoring and patrolling throughout the impacted neighborhoods checking for any possible heat or smokes.

Approximately 200 resources are assigned to both fires including, hand crews, engines, and water tenders. SR 177 is open in both directions.